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Archer2 vs Clipper2


rupert peddle

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Hey all!

 

After a few years testing the water of operating with a 'learner rig' I have reached the point where it's time to dive in and do things properly, and invest in a 'proper' rig. The last couple of jobs I've been on have been a bit too much for my current gear so in order to keep progressing I need to move on up. I have the opportunity of acquiring second hand either an Archer2 or a Clipper2 for the same price and would love some advice from you guys on which would be the better option from your experience relating to operating, flexibility, performance, reliability, etc etc!

 

As far as my operating level goes, I'm in the film world and have been working with dSLRs and also the Red Epic on an increasing number of shoots. I would also like to be able to handle an Alexa as some of my contacts will be using one later this year and have asked if I can fly one and it would open up a new area of operating for me. I was considering a Zephyr but it wont really handle an Alexa and think if I keep progressing I will grow out of it pretty quickly. I was thinking of getting an old Flyer for dSLR work when I can afford it but the immediate need is to upgrade the primary rig as my old one finally gave up the ghost on the last shoot haha.

 

Cheers in advance for your help!

 

rups

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I've owned both. In my opinion, I'd go with the Archer2. Thought the Clipper will give you an extra post, it is limited in how much you can move the gimbal.

 

That said, as someone who's bought and sold too many rigs at this point, why not save up for a big rig? Even going with the Archer or Clipper, you run the risk of out growing the rig. You'll almost always lose some money when you sell a rig. A big rig can last you anywhere between a decade to a career lifespan. You can always add weight to a big rig if you're flying a smaller camera but you can't do anything if you have a mid sized rig but have a big camera.

 

Just my 2 cents.

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Thanks Grant!

 

Interesting point about the Clipper post and gimbal. I was also thinking the extra payload capability of the Clipper would not really count for a huge amount in the 'real world' where we can sometimes push payload limits anyway, and as the Archer2 is a more modern rig it would hold its value a bit more. Also the Archer is a bit lighter so generally easier to handle?

 

I have considered the 'Big Rig' route but I really am just starting out and don't think I have the experience or work contacts available to justify the layout on a top level big rig yet. I would be reasonably comfortable investing in one of these 'entry level big rigs' but would probably need to double the outlay for the next step up and that would be a step too far for me at the moment. I have been doing some soul searching deciding if I can justify going up from a Zephyr but decided that in order to progress my career I need to invest in more capable gear ;) If I do progress and have the opportunity to work on shoots needing a bigger rig, there is always the hire option and if it looks like I can get enough work to justify it I would be very happy even to get to that level and I can decide if I want to move on up again then...

 

rups

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